VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE SECTION
Parapertussis and Holmesii
What is parapertussis?
Parapertussis is a disease that affects the lungs.
Parapertussis is similar to pertussis (whooping
cough), but it is less severe.
What is holmesii?
Holmesii is a relatively new bacteria. It is similar to
parapertussis and pertussis, but it is less common.
What are the symptoms of
parapertussis/holmesii?
The symptoms of parapertussis and holmesii can
be similar to a cold: sneezing, a runny nose,
possibly low-grade fever, and a cough. After a
week or two, the cough may become more severe
and include:
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A cough that occurs in sudden, uncontrollable
bursts.
High-pitched whooping sounds when breathing
in after a coughing episode.
Vomiting after a coughing spell.
Who gets parapertussis/holmesii?
Anyone at any age can get parapertussis or
holmesii.
Is there a vaccine for
parapertussis/holmesii?
No vaccine for parapertussis or holmesii exists. The
pertussis vaccine does not protect against these
diseases.
Is there a lab test for
parapertussis/holmesii?
Yes. To test for parapertussis or holmesii, the nasal
passages are swabbed. Nasal material on the swab
is then examined in the lab for the presence of
parapertussis or holmesii bacteria.
How are parapertussis and holmesii
spread?
Parapertussis and holmesii are spread through the
air in droplets produced during coughing or
sneezing. A person can get parapertussis or
holmesii when he or she is directly coughed at or
sneezed on by someone with parapertussis or
holmesii, or if he or she spends a lot of time close
to a person who has parapertussis or holmesii.
What is the incubation period for
parapertussis/holmesii?
The time period between exposure and the onset
of illness is unknown. It may be seven to 10 days or
as long as 21 days.
How long can a person spread
parapertussis/holmesii?
Parapertussis and holmesii are probably most
infectious (most likely to spread to others) early in
the illness.
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A person with parapertussis or holmesii can
probably spread the disease to others during
the first three weeks of coughing.
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PARAPERTUSSIS/HOLMESII
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A person with parapertussis or holmesii cannot
spread the disease to others if they have
completed five days of antibiotic treatment or
they are beyond the first three weeks of
coughing.
Do persons with
parapertussis/holmesii need to stay
home from school or work?
Persons with parapertussis or holmesii do not need
to stay home from school, work, or other activities
because the illness is relatively mild. However, it is
important to still cover your cough and wash your
hands to prevent the spread of germs to others.
Can parapertussis/holmesii be
treated?
These diseases can be treated with the same
antibiotics as pertussis, but treatment may not
cure the symptoms. Visit Pertussis Treatment and
Prophylaxis
(www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/pert
ussis/hcp/treatment.html) for more information.
How can parapertussis/holmesii be
prevented?
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Avoid close contact with others who are
coughing or otherwise ill.
Wash your hands often.
Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, or
cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
If you have questions or concerns, contact MDH at
651-201-5414 or 877-676-5414 or see Pertussis
(Whooping Cough)
(www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/pert
ussis/index.html).
Minnesota Department of Health
Vaccine-Preventable Disease Section
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
651-201-5414
www.health.state.mn.us/immunize
To obtain this information in a different format, call:
651-201-5414.
Preventive treatment is not generally
recommended for contacts of people with
parapertussis or holmesii. Preventive treatment
may be considered for close contacts who are at a
higher risk for more severe disease, including
infants and immunocompromised people.
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